“Jay absolutely nailed the proposal,” Leiahn reports. During a long weekend in spring, the duo went out for a drink. But this groom-to-be had a different agenda, detouring to the destination in Warriewood Headland where he’d asked Leiahn to be his girlfriend 10 years prior. “In the weeks leading up, he and his dad had quietly cut back the scrub to create a clear path down to the ledge. When he led me down the track and dropped to one knee, I was so overwhelmed I don’t remember a word he said. Thankfully, his brother had hidden cameras and a mic set up in the bush, so we have it recorded, tears and all.”
Precisely one year later Leiahn and Jay said ‘I do’ at The Merribee, a Numbaa, NSW destination wedding venue guests are still gushing about. “They are still blown away at how picturesque it all was, as well as how lovely the staff were,” says the bride, who wore a Maison Margot gown from Love Marie Bridal on the day, and whose background in styling/costuming was put to good use curating this elevated garden do.
With plenty of time to create quality moments with their guests, the newlyweds are glad they made it a three-day event. And, as so often is the case, some of the most memorable bits manifested from unexpected, fleeting moments, such as when the bride ducked off to help the blokes with their M.J. Bale ties. “It became this unexpected, grounding moment with my brothers, brothers-in-law, and Jay.”
Read all about it below. Oh and don’t think we forgot about the photos, we wouldn’t leave you without those. Snapped by Calla Lilly Collective, they’re really something special.
Why The Merribee Is a Standout NSW Wedding Venue
“We knew we wanted something private, intimate but spacious, visually beautiful, and warm in atmosphere, with kind staff and onsite accommodation so our Sydney guests could make a little getaway of it. The moment we arrived at The Merribee, we were blown away. The gardens, the charm, the staff — everything felt right. Our decision was completely confirmed on the day. They were incredibly caring, organised, and accommodating, and the onsite accommodation was beautiful.”
Elevated Garden Party Wedding Styling Ideas
“Our dress code was ‘Elevated Garden Party’, which perfectly captured the vibe we wanted – refined, romantic and cohesive. Having a background in costume and styling, visual aesthetics were important to me. I wanted the guests to feel like part of the visual story, so we requested no brights, patterns, or prints to create tonal harmony within the venue and the photos. Burgundy was our subtle thread throughout the day also. The bridesmaids’ dresses, the place settings, and touches within the florals. Music was another key element. Jay is a huge lover of everything from 60s soul to modern rhythm and blues, and he curated the pre-ceremony and cocktail hour playlists. It truly set the emotional tone for the day.”
Thoughtful DIY Wedding Details with Personal Meaning
“I made the signage, including a tulle sign that read to love, laughter, and happily ever after, which we hung in the hedge on arrival, with vintage lace trim I had hand sewn. Our mirrored welcome sign was repurposed from our engagement party. I replaced the writing with a vinyl wedding greeting. I also created the bar menu, cards sign, and signing table pieces using iron-on transfers on specific fabrics that added a level of softness and fluidity. I designed custom matchboxes for cocktail hour, and at the reception, I handmade the menus inspired by old Italian bar menus in burgundy faux leather. These tied in perfectly individual place-setting ribbons I had made for each guest also. I also made some of my looks for the day. My neck scarf I added for cocktail hour, as well as my second look dress. It was an 80s wedding dress I thrifted and transformed. It was a labour of love, but worth every second.”
A Short Wedding Planning Timeline That Worked
“If you’re indecisive like I usually am, give yourself a shorter planning window. It forces you to commit to the things that matter, with no time for change. Wedding trends and styling are so flippant, stay true to yourself and your couple style. That’s what it’s all about, creating a day true to each other, not your guests.”
MORE GOOD STUFF
This stunning South Coast garden estate ticking all your boxes? Reach out to The Merribee here, then visit the blog to get inspired by garden nuptials from across the country. Hit up the directory to find even more NSW wedding vendors we rate or browse the latest in mens formal wear, suits and accessories with our mates M.J. Bale.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Dylan Heckenberg via Calla Lilly Collective Cinematographer Elijah Meredith via Calla Lilly Collective Content Creator Austen Socials Stylist, Stationary & Signage The Brindell Edit Florist Daze Flowers Venue, Catering & Ice Cream Cart The Merribee Wedding Favours Azteca Margarita Entertainment DJ Joe Barrs Celebrant Oriwa Le Fevre (Friend), Helen Twyman-Smith Rings Family Heirloom, Cullen Jewellery THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Maison Margot Bridal Boutique Love Marie Bridal Veil Sara Gabriel Robes & Slip Le Rose Shoes Panache Accessories By Charlotte, The Brindell Edit, Groom’s Grandmother Hair Jonti via Radiance Hair Bridesmaids & Mothers’ Hair Lauren via Bridal Glow Co Makeup Ash via Bridal Glow Co Fragrance Gucci Bridesmaid Dresses Babyboo Bridesmaid Shoes Novo THE GROOM Suit & Groomsmen Suits Peppers Formal Wear Shirt Abelard Bow Tie M.J. Bale Shoes R.M. Williams Grooming Kate via The Little Barber
